MPs warn Cameron of planning 'free-for-all'

The new planning regulations are contradictory and confusing, and would lead to the loss of green-belt land and development being prioritised over the environment, MPs have warned today.

In a highly critical report, members of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee backed concerns by the National Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) that the changes could prompt a rash of unsustainable building across the country.

More than 200,000 people have signed a petition by the National Trust opposing the reforms in the National Planning Policy Framework, and there is unease among Conservative backbenchers over the extent of opposition to the plans from their constituents.

The committee has now written to David Cameron urging him to reconsider the "unsatisfactory" wording of the framework and provide a clear definition of what "sustainable" development is to local authorities.

"It just seems to us that, as it's written at the moment, the planning framework will create a free-for-all," said Joan Walley, chair of the committee. "It's a bit like playing football without having the rules of the FA."

The committee's report is a setback for ministers, who have been subject to sustained criticism from environmental groups over their proposed changes to planning regulations.

Today's report comes as a study by the CPRE suggested that there was sufficient brownfield land to build 1.5 million new homes – equivalent to about six years' supply of housing – without the need to use green sites.

But ministers reject this and argue that simplifying planning rules will encourage growth and reduce bureaucracy, while still ensuring important safeguards against unsustainable development.

Today's report from a Conservative-dominated committee, including Zac Goldsmith and Caroline Nokes, warns that unless more is done to safeguard the natural environment local authorities will be able to override local opposition with the presumption in favour of development.

In particular, it suggests that it could lead to urban sprawl as towns increase in size, less protection for green-belt land and the loss of previous rules designed to strengthen town centres.

"As it currently stands, the new planning policy framework appears contradictory and confusing," said Ms Walley. "It pays lip-service to sustainable development without providing a clear definition, potentially leaving future planning decisions open to legal challenges.

"If it protects our greenbelt and countryside, as the Government claims, then there should be no problem in defining sustainable development more clearly to avoid misinterpretation."

Fiona Reynolds, director-general of the National Trust, welcomed the MPs' intervention. "Radical changes are needed throughout the draft planning changes if its fundamental flaws are to be addressed," she said. "It's vital that a short-term response to the economic situation doesn't overtake the need for a strong planning system, which delivers benefits to communities, the environment and the economy."

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "The planning system has always enshrined the principle that economic, environmental and social dimensions of development should be considered in a balanced way – and it will continue to do so."